CHANCE PASSENGER

“I know where I came from and where I am going.” – John 8:14

“I made it just in time!” Or so I thought. I was heading to Baguio, my hometown, and arrived at the station a good 15 minutes before the bus leaves.

I hadn’t reserved a ticket, but in the past, I had been able to get a seat on the spot.

To my surprise, the bus station was full of passengers.

I went directly to the ticket counter and found out, to my dismay, that all scheduled buses for the next hours were full. I started to pray fervently. Finding the attendant for the next departing bus, I asked for a chance seat. But my hope quickly disappeared when my eyes scrolled down the long list of names. I was number 15 on the waiting list. I said to myself, “Only a miracle can happen now.”

After waiting a few minutes, the attendant started calling out the names on the list, starting with person number one. No one came. She went down the list, calling the second, third, fourth person. None of them appeared. Then she reached number 15. I got a seat! Apparently, the others before were either not there or had a companion and there was only one seat left.

What were the chances? But God gave me that chance. So I did make it on time after all! Jonathan Yogawin (jyogawin@gmail.com)

Reflect: Do you doubt God’s mercy and favor? Be clear with your prayer intention and hope in the Lord.

Jesus, I trust in You.

St. Julie Billiart, pray for us.

Today’s reading is worth studying. It tells us about the pitfalls of allowing our emotions to control us instead of us controlling them. If it were not for Daniel’s wisdom and risking his own safety, Susana would have been killed. May wisdom guide us in our moral choices.

Daniel 13:41-62 (or Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62)

41 The assembly condemned Susana to death. 42 But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: 43 you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me.” 44 The Lord heard her prayer. 45 As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel, 46 and he cried aloud: “I will have no part in the death of this woman.” 47 All the people turned and asked him, “What is this you are saying?” 48 He stood in their midst and continued, “Are you such fools, O children of Israel! To condemn a woman of Israel without examination and without clear evidence? 49 Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her.” 50 Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, “Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age.” 51 But he replied, “Separate these two far from one another that I may examine them.” 52 After they were separated one from the other, he called one of them and said: “How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term: 53 passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says, ‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.’ 54 Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together.” 55 “Under a mastic tree,” he answered. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him and split you in two.” 56 Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. Daniel said to him, “Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah, beauty has seduced you, lust has subverted your conscience. 57 This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness. 58 Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together.” 59 “Under an oak,” he said. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to make an end of you both.” 60 The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those that hope in him. 61 They rose up against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. According to the law of Moses, they inflicted on them the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor: 62 they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.

Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

R: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)

GOSPEL

Mary Magdalene is a figure of judgment and despair. It is only when Jesus intervenes and reminds the crowd that they, too, are all sinners that the people realize the truth. Let us always seek and act upon the truth no matter how inconvenient it may be.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live.

John 8:12-20

12 Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” 14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. 17 Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. 18 I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” 19 So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. 

think: How committed are you to the truth? Will you stand up for the truth at the risk of your own life?

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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST 

Read the Bible in one year - Exodus 28-30  

 

WHAT DO I TESTIFY TO?

When I was a kid, I got into fights with other kids. When I got home, my parents scolded me and repeatedly told me, “Don’t go into quarrels, even petty ones. It does not speak well of you and, more so, our family name!” They tried to tell me to testify to the goodness that was taught to us in our formative years. Surely, it was not only about the honor of our family name, but how we were brought up as upright persons.

People who were against Jesus continued to question the credibility of His words and actions. They knew He was doing good things. They knew He was teaching the truth. This was far from what they do that have no basis at all, save that of the title and authority given to them. That was why they threatened Jesus and tried to destroy His reputation. But they failed. Because Jesus’ witness and testimony came from His communion with the Father—to what He willed and desired. Jesus not only followed it but lived it out very well.

Today, we witness to many things. Sadly, the things we witness to are what the world offers. We testify to the lies and evil that prevail over us. When these things happen, we lose our way. We need to find the right path to a credible life of faith in God. Fr. Joel Victorino

------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS -------

What truths of the faith have you witnessed to in recent times? How did you testify to them?

 

Strengthen me, Lord, that I may not deviate from the path that leads to You. Amen.

Today, I pray for: __________________________________________________________